c. 1920's Wiggy
- Thread starter Private Lugnutz
- Start date
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Wow cool
I have a sq D wiggy but a 2000s version...
I have a sq D wiggy but a 2000s version...
four.cycle
Well-known member
I love it. I'm going to see if I can get ahold of a lexicographer on this one. Seriously.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Pretty cool. My cousin has a Western Electric catalog from the 1920s that I was looking through recently, it had a lot of stuff like that.
pancho400cid
Well-known member
Very cool!
Found one of that vintage, the insulation on the leads is in bad shape so never have checked it out, most o fthe solenoid voltage testers have been discontinued because of changing regulations, including the SQ D Wiggy. Had one that was stolen & the case and Wiggy was hard to find, one was on eBay from a pawn shop seller so bought it.
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
What 4.c is referring to, if anyone is wondering, is the slang word "wiggy" used to mean a little off, strange, or weird. It's well known that the name and eventual TM for the device comes from Wigginton. The question is, does "You're acting a little wiggy," come from the device?
I'd be interested in seeing any Square D Wigginton entries, Stuart.
I'm glad you chimed in, Norcal. I'm no electrician, and when I was doing some research to see if there was another one posted here on GJ, your name popped up in a conversation about their lingering modern usage. How they serve their purpose well in very narrow specific use cases, even over a Fluke. Other research turned up in electricians forums described them doing something (clicking for DC, vibrating for AC) that I'm not sure mine seems capable of doing, and I'm not brave (or stupid) enough to find out. I'm guessing that the clicking/vibrating feature, apparently actuated by a magnetized rotor at the top inside the tube, is something that got added much later. Can you confirm that from your own knowledge and experience or by looking at mine?
Terry D
Well-known member
That is a cool find. When I started out in the trade, I started with a Wiggy. I have since moved on to a digital meter. For one reason they can do more functions like resistance and continuity. Don't know if they still make it, but Ideal had there version of a Wiggy that had batteries in it so it could do continuity.
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klassenl
Well-known member
Ideal's version is referred to as "Vol-con". Voltage/continuity. The guys I learned from all had them and I have had one with me everyday since. I'm hoping to find a good alternative soon since they are getting hard to find.
Some of the ones I can remember solenoid voltage testers are Knopp, Ideal Vol Con, & SQ D Wiggy theof those I like the Wiggy & Knopp the best. Because Knopp was HQed in Emeryville, CA, a city adjacent to Oakland they were pretty common in supply houses.
http://www.knoppinc.com/ the link will have a brief history of Knopp.
http://www.knoppinc.com/ the link will have a brief history of Knopp.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
My newer wiggy does as you described with the vibration...
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Thanks.
Terry D
Well-known member
I came across this article
When Square D was bought by the French, the original "Wiggy" patent for the Wigginton Solenoid Voltage Tester that they owned had long ago expired, allowing other companies, like Knopp, to make them. In 2002 all voltage meters needed to have Cat. III ratings for safety and Groupe Schneider did not want to invest in redesigning something they didn't have exclusive rights to, so they killed it. But other companies did go ahead and get their Cat. III ratings. Knopp is one of them. So you can still buy a "Wiggy" in the generic sense of what we all call a Solenoid Voltage Tester, as long as you accept the fact that although built basically the same as the original Wigginton design, can no longer have his nickname emblazoned on the front. Schneider retained the copyright on that name even though they stopped making the product. They could technically sue Knopp if they used that word officially, but they can't sue us for using it in the field. I still call mine a Wiggy even though it's a Knopp version.
When Square D was bought by the French, the original "Wiggy" patent for the Wigginton Solenoid Voltage Tester that they owned had long ago expired, allowing other companies, like Knopp, to make them. In 2002 all voltage meters needed to have Cat. III ratings for safety and Groupe Schneider did not want to invest in redesigning something they didn't have exclusive rights to, so they killed it. But other companies did go ahead and get their Cat. III ratings. Knopp is one of them. So you can still buy a "Wiggy" in the generic sense of what we all call a Solenoid Voltage Tester, as long as you accept the fact that although built basically the same as the original Wigginton design, can no longer have his nickname emblazoned on the front. Schneider retained the copyright on that name even though they stopped making the product. They could technically sue Knopp if they used that word officially, but they can't sue us for using it in the field. I still call mine a Wiggy even though it's a Knopp version.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
I gave the book back to my cousin so I don't have access to it anymore. I'm not sure if there were any Wigginton testers in it specifically (the catalog was about 1200 pages) but I do recall a lot of electrician's tools like pocket voltmeters and ammeters, etc. Also a lot of hand tools - linesman pliers and so on. It was an interesting catalog - back then Western Electric carried everything from soup to nuts; they had wire, switchgear, meters, telephone gear and the rest of the stuff you would expect, but also sold washing machines, sewing machines, toasters and other household appliances, hand drills, telephone poles (imagine ordering them through mail order) and pretty much anything that was remotely involved with electricity.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Interesting
I bought mine new in 2007 and its made by sq d. Or at least thats the manufacturer name on the label.
Ill have to go check to see if it has a manufacturer date on it
Terry D
Well-known member
I came across that on Mike Holts Forum. Don't know how true it is. Mine was bought around 1995
TxMN
Member
I think Knopp is the only company Currently offering a solenoid test like the “wiggy”, I have A couple of never used wiggy’s from my fathers days with Campbell Soup plant maintenance.
Mine's a Knopp, been using it off and on since 1979 - leads are still good, wish offshore **** makers would either take a lesson or just go away - back then I wasn't aware of any mfg's that offered a Lo-Z option, and anyone who's done much industrial electric work knows that a Hi Z DMM can blow smoke up yer backside on "ghost" voltages (inductively coupled on un-terminated wires) - which is why I always carried BOTH a Wiggy and DMM... Steve
sparky 1971
Well-known member
Ideal makes two solenoid testers, Vol-Test, which is the basic tester,
VolTest Voltage Tester
61-065: Extremely rugged and reliable Vibrates when AC voltage is present Indicates AC/DC voltage level Replaceable leads with shielded probe tips (IEC61010-031 compliant) Bright, long-life LED’s and neon indicator lamp Low impedance to eliminate ghost vo
www.idealind.com
and the Vol-Con that has four batteries and will do continuity. I have the Vol-Con, but the Con part doesn't work any longer.
VolCon Solenoid Voltage Tester
61-076: Extremely rugged and reliable Vibrates when AC voltage is present Indicates AC/DC voltage level Replaceable leads with shielded probe tips (IEC61010-031 compliant) Bright, long-life LED™s and neon indicator lamp Dual voltage indication for back
www.idealind.com
I used to have a Knopp, but haven't seen it in years. I didn't even realize it was missing until I read this thread.
alfredeneuman
Well-known member
All solenoids buzz with AC, and click on DC.
Zeke
Well-known member
I have never heard a person called wiggy AFA their behavior. I have 2 'wiggys' and I think one might be a Wigginton. It came from an old sparky that would be over 100 today if he were alive. Didn't get any of his other tools though. I knew him well.
WillyBoy
Well-known member
Thank you for posting the pictures. That's a nice find. I have my father's Wigginton from, I think, the early 1940's.
Of course, it's not what I reach for when I need to know if I can bare-hand something, but it's a cool item that was his.
Of course, it's not what I reach for when I need to know if I can bare-hand something, but it's a cool item that was his.
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Thanks. The research I did on it actually ended up convincing Wiki to update their page, which was erroneous. You can read the research, and the Wiki saga, here...
The Lugzsonian - A Virtual Tour
I checked the #134, 139, the c-1 (1947?), and i didn't see it. Then I ran across the #41 and I found it! I'm not sure what year the #41 catalog refers to but it mentions 66 years of service in one of the pages. Heres a few pics...
www.garagejournal.com
Good on you. Having things from Pop is the best. I'm guessing it looks like the example @Mintgrun posted in post #638 of the thread I just linked, patented in 1939.
Mine, with the brass plate, is from 1920.
MBfreak
MEMBER EMERITUS
I love that instrument!
Here is another 1920s beauty. A Weston 310 electrodynamic Watt-meter.
Salvaged and restored. Nothing was spoiled , just dusty and a bit fd up.
When ready, I checked it with 0,2 % modern meter. Less than -0,4 % at FSD
Now sits in an old radio museum, Grimeton. The center piece there is a 1918 16,2 kHz generator transmitter.
Still operational, used for contacting subs.
Ola
Here is another 1920s beauty. A Weston 310 electrodynamic Watt-meter.
Salvaged and restored. Nothing was spoiled , just dusty and a bit fd up.
When ready, I checked it with 0,2 % modern meter. Less than -0,4 % at FSD
Now sits in an old radio museum, Grimeton. The center piece there is a 1918 16,2 kHz generator transmitter.
Still operational, used for contacting subs.
Ola
Attachments
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Very nice.
Tangentially, my eldest daughter was just in Sweden for a destination wedding, timed with Midsommar. They were in Stockholm, but traveled to Varmdo, and took a train to the Arctic Circle, visiting also Stora Sjorfallet NP and Lamponia and a Sami Nature Preserve. She loved it.
More tangentially still, is the "MB" in your username referring to this kind of MB?
fitter30
Well-known member
Interesting how short the leads are. Guess the electron were friendlier back then and not so far apart.
MBfreak
MEMBER EMERITUS
nadogail
Well-known member
My father had an Original, i remember it from my childhood in the 40's. I have owned several, within their limitations they were good testers, I think I still have one, but being retired, i have not needed it for years,
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
You might be surprised how many survivor Willys jeeps turn up in Sweden and Finland from the war. Only reason I asked.BreeStephany
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have a Ideal Vol-Con, but it just doesn't seem that "durable" for keeping on my tool bags, so don't really use it all that often anymore.Ideal makes two solenoid testers, Vol-Test, which is the basic tester,
VolTest Voltage Tester
61-065: Extremely rugged and reliable Vibrates when AC voltage is present Indicates AC/DC voltage level Replaceable leads with shielded probe tips (IEC61010-031 compliant) Bright, long-life LED’s and neon indicator lamp Low impedance to eliminate ghost vo
and the Vol-Con that has four batteries and will do continuity. I have the Vol-Con, but the Con part doesn't work any longer.
VolCon Solenoid Voltage Tester
61-076: Extremely rugged and reliable Vibrates when AC voltage is present Indicates AC/DC voltage level Replaceable leads with shielded probe tips (IEC61010-031 compliant) Bright, long-life LED™s and neon indicator lamp Dual voltage indication for back
I used to have a Knopp, but haven't seen it in years. I didn't even realize it was missing until I read this thread.
I love my Knopp K-60 and am very impressed with how durable / indestructible they are. Its my go-to for times I just need to check presence of voltage and determine if its 120V or 240V.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I've had mine for 20+ years. For about 15 years I wore it in a pouch on my belt. That was obviously before I smartened up and quit wearing the pouch 75% of the time. I've had to replace the leads twice, once because it was so cold out they broke when I tried to use it and the other time it was in my pouch and they got caught on a lever style door knob when I went into a house. I hadn't used it for awhile when I discovered the continuity tester had quit. I changed batteries to no avail. Now it sits in a five gallon bucket with the tools I use when I do a residential rough in.
just
A twist on the old saying, "on a quiet night you can hear a Chevy rust", just replace Chevy, with "Mercedes".
DUSPOL Analog is a "wiggy" style tester still used pretty heavily in Europe. It has a solenoid.
www.benning.de
Voltage Tester DUSPOL® - BENNING
DUSPOL® voltage tester for the safe voltage test up to 1000 V AC / DC - inter alia with LED display, rotary field test and polarity check
www.benning.de